Arctic Armor

[Amistad]

Tried on an AA parka the other night, and just like I've read on this forum, they run very big. Normally I'd take a med to large jacket. In this case the small was plenty big, especially in the belly area. The one odd thing I found though, was the upper arm was tight, and I'm a thin guy, no big guns here. The medium was cut the same way. Have any of you guys found the arms to be a bit tight while the rest of the jacket was cut pretty generously? Don't really want to go up to a medium because then the sleeves are too long. Appreciate your input.

Thanks.

[Craigums]

I dunno I got a medium and I think it feels fine... maybe you just had too many layers under the jacket.

[Lisa Almquist]

I only wear my underarmor and then regular clothes (shirt and pants) under my Arctic Armor. That's all you need. Seriously!

[harvey lee]

Mine seems to fit fine everywhere and the bibs also fit fine. I can bend and stretch without any problems.

[Lunger]

I looked at some of this stuff the other day at Gander and I just can't believe that something so thin can be as warm as everyone claims. I've fished some extreme weather in Canada over the years and I can't imagine this stuff is warmer than the gear I use. Just my thoughts.

[harvey lee]

I realize that it looks thin, very light, and it does keep one warm. Thats the really nice thing about the Artic Armor, light and one can really move about without any restrictions.

[HNTNBUX]

Is that really Artic Armor at GM or Ice Armor? I have been looking at a place to try on the Artic Armor before I order. Is there a place in the metro or near St. Cloud to try it on?

[hanson]

 Originally Posted By: Lunger

I looked at some of this stuff the other day at Gander and I just can't believe that something so thin can be as warm as everyone claims. I've fished some extreme weather in Canada over the years and I can't imagine this stuff is warmer than the gear I use. Just my thoughts.

Just so there is no confusion... was this Arctic Armor or Ice Armor that you saw at Gander Mountain? I've got good money on it being Ice Armor as there are very, very few places carrying Arctic Armor, especially big corporate shops.

The Arctic Armor suit is the real deal. The insulation (Insultex) found in Arctic Armor is light years ahead of traditional Thinsulate found in most outdoors products today. Arctic Armor is windproof, waterproof, breathable. I haven't experienced a temperature yet this winter where it wouldn't keep me warm and the bonus is Arctic Armor floats.

I've had over a year of year round use with my Arctic Armor suit and I believe in it. If I didn't, I wouldn't be wearing it day in and out.

[Reynolds]

I bought the camo suit this year and really like it a lot. The outfit itself is very soft so you don't hear the whoosh whoosh as you are walking.

[Jim Almquist]

I also have the AA camo and have never felt like it was tight anywhere and to tell you the truth it feels more like a pair of sweats cause of how light they are. If you think they fit a little tight just try it on with a t-shirt only to see if it feels the same way.

[SM1]

So far the only thing i dont like about my camo AA suit is that I sweat too easy in it, and that is usually when I am wearing a t-shirt. Maybe I need to wear a fleece pull over or something to better separate my skin from the inside layer of the jacket. Has anyone else experienced this????

Other than that, I really like the AA suit. I got a blue IA suit for xmas and traded for the AA. I like the bibs with the built in gaiters and padded rear and knees-perfect for ice fishing. The soft and light material will also be great for late season hunting.

As far as sizing, I wore a XL columbia quad parka and bibs and the XL AA suit fits me the same as the columbia.

[Bob/Mn]

I have a set of AA camo and have been a little disappointed in its insulation value.

Case in point durning the ML season sitting on a deer stand in 10 degree temps. After an hour I could feel the cold creeping in around my shoulders. I had to go back to the truck and get my 200 gram Thinsulate parka,no more cold creeping in the rest of the day.

For intermediate temps I believe AA has it's good points and if it is as waterproof as advertised I will be pleased.

I bought mine a size larger so I can layer dress when needed.

[cliffy]

BOB: you gotta be one cold person I have the regular red colored AA suit and never have felt anything but warm and comfortable....almost too warm at times. I have found that wearing the correct layers under the AA suit is the key. I dont wear anything that soaks up sweat..such as cotton.

Cliffy

[rockman]

This winter I have driven my atv on the lake, on numerous occasions.While doing so, I wore my camo AA bibs and jacket, and have not gotten cold at all.Driving a wheeler at 0, or 5 degrees produces a bit of windchill on you.Arctic Armor has really worked well keeping me warm.Layering under the jacket is absolutely key, so you don't get sweated up, and then become chilled.

[Lunger]

I could certainly run there tomorrow and take a pic if you would like........yes it was Arctic Armor at Gander Mountain, in red and camo.

[ChuckN]

Lunger, I'll give you an example of my most extreme use of the the Arctic Armor since I bought it a year ago.

Two weeks ago I visited Lake of the Woods for 4 days, and the highs each day barely got over -10. Lows at night -25 or colder. Rode my snowmobile 110 miles for the weekend..morning, day and night. One day included a 60 mile round trip when the high for the day was -16. Lows approached -30. I did fish outside a little bit searching for fish.

Was I sweating? No, obviously not in these temps.

Was I cold? I'm not going to say cold, but there was some cool penetration after the first 20 miles driving 40+ mph in the open air..

The AA suit is definitely the most windproof, waterproof and lightest/warmest garment I've worn. I do not wear my A.A. if I need to work outside, it gets too warm. But, for sitting on the ice and fishing I can't think of anything better.

[fisherdog19]

I have to agree with the warmth, lightness, and comfort of AA. I tend to not wear the bibs unless I know I will be fishing outside as I get too hot in them just sitting in my portable. It will get a lot of use later this month into March while fishing late ice!

[perch_destroyer]

Anybody know, do they carry these things at scheels. Do they usually clearance these things at the end of the year or give any deals? the Perch

[cliffy]

Perch:

There was a couple of sets at Scheels in Fargo right before Christmas. That is where I tried it one to get the right size. I went back a few days later and they were all out. They were not on sale. I dont know, but I doubt they would restock this item until next winter.

You can also try on my AA suit to figure out sizes.

Cliffy

[hanson]

 Originally Posted By: Lunger

I could certainly run there tomorrow and take a pic if you would like........yes it was Arctic Armor at Gander Mountain, in red and camo.

Photo is not necessary.

I know a few retailers were starting to carry AA and now it sounds like a few more are jumping on board too. This was the first I heard of a Gander carrying it. Good to hear! I would guess AA will be on the racks everywhere early next winter.

[huntnfish]

Perch, I was in Scheels in Fargo yesterday and they had a couple sets of the Arctic Armor if you want to try a set on.

[Bob/Mn]

 Originally Posted By: cliffy

BOB: you gotta be one cold person I have the regular red colored AA suit and never have felt anything but warm and comfortable....almost too warm at times. I have found that wearing the correct layers under the AA suit is the key. I dont wear anything that soaks up sweat..such as cotton.

Cliffy

Hi Cliffy;

I am glad to hear the suit is working well for you.

It could be my body temp is a little higher than normal, thus the sensitivity to the cold.

It seems that I cannot find any info as to R value of Insultex other than it will ptotect you to -13 F ,posted by the manufacture.

I would really like to see some info on how it compares to thinsulate or the plane old goose down. Goose down is usually the standard that insulating materials are compaired to.

[perch_destroyer]

Cliffy, You talking bout Walleye Dan from Gull lake, he's a guide, right. You get a good deal on those? I maybe in the market for some next year. I think the wife would appreciate the extra insurance of finding my body floating in the now frozen ice when I go through. Thanks. the Perch

[cliffy]

Yup, he posted just four spots above this one. I, like everyone else, paid fair market value. I dont think I have ever seen the AA marked down or "on sale".

Cliffy

[perch_destroyer]

Roger that, not sure how i missed that reply. I just remember seeing him one of the fishing shows on ESPN bout a month ago. I'll keep it in mind when I decide to make the purchase in the future. thanks, the Perch